A full breath of your lungs takes in about 4 liters of air, according to the University of Illinois. However, weak lungs significantly reduce the amount of air you can inhale and exhale. Weak lungs can significantly inhibit quality of life by interfering with leisure-time activities and activities of daily living. Taking certain vitamins may help enhance the strength of your lungs. As with all medical conditions talk to your doctor about weak lung treatment options appropriate for you.
Background
Approximately 35 million adults living in the United States have chronic lung disease, according to the American Lung Association. Common underlying causes of weak lungs include tobacco smoke exposure, asthma, bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Like all of your body's organs, your lungs rely on a steady supply of vitamins to help produce new cells, stave off infection and perform essential functions.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin obtained from your skin's exposure to ultraviolet sunlight. Research published in the February 2011 edition of "Chest" investigated the link between vitamin D status and lung function in a group of adults. It was discovered that vitamin D deficiency has a significantly greater risk of poor lung function when compared to those with adequate vitamin D levels. Vitamin D reduces inflammation and strengthens the muscles that support your lungs, the study authors note. Other than sunlight, healthy sources of vitamin D in the diet include fortified orange juice, low-fat dairy products and mushrooms.
Vitamins C
When you take in a breath of polluted air or cigarette smoke, your lungs have to tap into your body's antioxidants to fight off the potential damage to lung cells. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant vitamin that's found in citrus fruits, broccoli, green leafy vegetables and kiwis.
A research study published in the January 1994 "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" discovered that those with the highest levels of vitamin C had the highest levels of lung function compared to those with low vitamin C levels.
Zinc
Like vitamin C, zinc is an antioxidant that helps prevent damage in your lungs. A study published in the June 2008 "Respiratory Medicine" notes that supplementing with 22 mg of daily zinc improved lung function and levels of antioxidants in the lungs of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease -- a disease characterized by weak lungs.
References
- American Lung Association: Epidemiology & Statistics
- University of Illinois: Q & A: Balloons and Vital Lung Capacity
- "Chest"; Vitamin D Deficiency and Reduced Lung Function in Connective Tissue-Associated Interstitial Lung Diseases; J Hagaman et al.; February 2011
- "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition";Relationship between dietary vitamin C intake and pulmonary function in the First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES I); J Schwartz et al.; January 1994
- "Respiratory Medicine"; Antioxidant Effect of Zinc Picolinate in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; G Kirkil et al.; June 2008
Member Comments